fluid around lung

dalsdad
dalsdad Member Posts: 2
edited March 2014 in Lung Cancer #1
My dad has just been diagnosed with non-small lung cancer. He has it in one lung and the cancer is also in the fluid surrounding his other lung. His breathing even with oxygen is very bad. Does anyone know can this fluid be drained? or is there anything else that can help the breathing situation aside from treating the cancer?
I feel so helpless and find it difficult to speak to my dad's doctor. Any experience or suggestions in this area would be so appreciated.
Thank you.

Comments

  • nelss06
    nelss06 Member Posts: 6
    #2
    Hi, I'm sorry to hear about your dad..I had surgery for lung cancer the week before Thanksgiving last year and am so far doing fine. You dont't say if your mom is alive and involved in your dad's treatment or not...You really need to talk to his doctor and find out what his options are..If your father feels the same way about the doctor then you need to find another doctor as soon as possible..It's important that you and your dad are able to discuss his cancer and his treatment with the doctor and that you understand what is happening..The cancer definitely needs to be treated and as soon as possible for the best results..Your dad (and you) need a doctor you can talk to and who is willing to answer your questions..
  • readcatscan
    readcatscan Member Posts: 8 Member
    #3
    Dalsdad;In my case the fluid I had was drained with tubes.once the fluid is drained breathing becomes better.I had nonoperable none small cell and today am fine. need more info bbardin@zianet.com
  • momsdaughter
    momsdaughter Member Posts: 2
    #4
    Dalsdad, it sounds like your dad and my mom are in the same boat. It was actually her difficulty in breathing that took her to the doctor for xrays, thinking it was pneumonia, They drained the fluid and then tested it for cancer. After it was drained she immediately began to breath easier. She's had it drained once more since then, around the same time as her first chemo treatment. her doctors have not expressed any concerns with draining the fluid as necessary. Hope this helps.
  • lindadelrio
    lindadelrio Member Posts: 7
    #5
    Hello, my father is going through basically the same thing. During the last week in January, he went to the doctors because he was having a terrible time breathing. He thought it was pnamonia (sp) instead it was terminal lung cancer. He was given 2 - 24 months to live. The reason he was having problems breathing was due to the fluid. The fluid is in the space between his back and his lungs. They go in and drain the fluid, just like when they draw blood. The first couple of times they got a little over a liter of fluid. He took three rounds of chemo (once a week for three weeks) and each week he was also drained. The last draining there was about 3 cups of fluid. He did another three weeks of chemo and he did not have to be drained at all. He took 4 weeks off of chemo and he still has not had to be drained. But the cancer is still there. He is going to have more chemo don't know if it the same type or not. The doctor also gave him the option of a surgery. They will make sure all the fluid is out and then they will "blow" in a powder. The powder will turn into a "glue" and will glue his lungs to his back. This way no fluid will build up in between. It is a very painful procedure. My dad doesn't know if he will do it or not. He is 74 years old. The one thing I know is the chemo really kicked his butt. Hope this gives you some ideas.

    Good Luck
    Linda in Del Rio
  • lyzS
    lyzS Member Posts: 2
    #6
    My mom's lung completly colapsed due to fluid around it. They put in a Denver plurex(i think that is the way it is spelled?!!!) drainage tube. She had it in there for a few months, and drained it at home herself. She was able to lead a "normal" life what she could anyway....hope it helps

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